Routine Drug Surveillance Nab two for Drug Conspiracy

Worcester, MA (June 17, 2017) – On Friday, June 16, 2017, at approximately 7:15 PM, members of the WPD Vice Squad were conducting undercover surveillance in the area of 8 May Street. At this time a male, later identified as Jesus Cintron, 34-years-old of 3 Denny Street, was seen exiting the passenger side of a Honda. Mr. Cintron is known to the officer for past drug investigations. Mr. Cintron was seen holding money in his hand as he exited the vehicle. Next Mr. Cintron was observed walking down a driveway adjacent to 8 May Street. A few moments later Mr. Cintron was seen walking back towards the vehicle without the money in his hand. Mr. Cintron entered the Honda and it drove off.

Due to their prior knowledge of Mr. Cintron, and what they had just observed, the undercover drug investigators believed that they had just witnessed a street level drug deal take place. Vice officers decided to follow the Honda as it left the area.

The Honda eventually stopped on Mason Street. A few moments later a male approached Mr. Cintron as he sat in the passenger seat of the Honda. The male leaned into the vehicle, did a quick hand to hand transaction and then walked away. After turning a corner the man ran off.

The Honda drove off again. Vice officers followed the Honda as it drove throughout the Park Avenue area. The officers decided to stop the Honda at Coes and Mill Streets. Officers approached the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Carlos Mercado, 44-years-old of 194 Ingleside Avenue, observed the approaching officers closing in and placed an item in his mouth and swallowed it. The officer observed that the item was a clear plastic baggie that contained what appeared to be heroin.

Mr. Mercado and Mr. Cintron were removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest. Both men were charged with Conspiracy to Violate Controlled Substance Laws.

A search of the Honda discovered drug paraphernalia consistent with packaging heroin for sale.

The Honda was towed from the scene and the two men were transported to police headquarters for booking proceedings.

Mr. Cintron and Mr. Mercado will be arraigned Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Worcester County District Courthouse.